Ever wondered how rich America’s presidents are?
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is the front-runner for the 2016 Democratic presidential ticket, according to most political pundits. The presidential hopeful’s husband, former President Bill Clinton, has made millions on lucrative book deals and more than $100 million on the speaking circuit. Secretary Clinton has recently begun to earn that kind of money as well.
Four years ago, 24/7 Wall St. published “The Net worth of Every American President, from Washington to Obama.” Each year, we have updated our figures to reflect the earnings of the still-living presidents. One thing remains clear: these days, it pays to be president, especially after leaving office.
Like last year, the only currently living president who is counted among of the wealthiest of all time is President Clinton.
President Barack Obama is not one of the richest US presidents. The president receives a salary of $400,000 a year as president, which, while generous, isn’t even close to today’s top executives salaries. The President’s annual income has actually dropped steadily since he entered office. In 2009, the President’s adjusted gross income was $5.5 million. That figure fell to less than $1 million in 2012. This is primarily due to a drop-off in revenue from his prior book deals. 24/7 Wall St. estimates the President’s net worth to be $7.5 million.
The net worth of the presidents varies widely. George Washington’s estate was worth more than half a billion in today’s dollars. On the other hand, several presidents went bankrupt.
10. John Fitzgerald Kennedy
> Net worth: $1 billion (never inherited his father’s fortune)
> In office: 1961 to 1963
> 35th president
9. William Jefferson Clinton
> Net Worth: $55 million
> In office: 1993 – 2001
> 42nd president
Unlike other presidents, Clinton did not inherit any wealth and gained little net worth during 20 plus years of public service. After his time in the White House, however, he earned a substantial income as an author and public speaker. In 2005, Clinton earned a $15 million advance on his book “My Life.” Former Secretary Clinton’s advance for her upcoming autobiography is expected to be nearly as much. In 2011, the former president was paid $750,000 alone to speak in Hong Kong for Ericsson. By 2012, the former president was estimated to have earned over $100 million. Secretary Clinton has started contributing to the family fortune since leaving office. It is reported that she earns more than $200,000 per speech.
8. Franklin Delano Roosevelt
> Net worth: $60 million
> In office: 1933 to 1945
> 32nd president
Roosevelt’s wealth came through inheritance and marriage. He owned the 800-acre Springwood estate, as well as properties in Georgia, Maine, and New York. In 1919, his mother had to bail him out of financial difficulty. He spent most of his adult life in public service. Before he was president, Roosevelt was appointed assistant secretary of the Navy by President Wilson.
7. Herbert Clark Hoover
> Net worth: $75 million
> In office: 1929 to 1933
> 31st president
An orphan, Hoover was raised by his uncle, a doctor. Hoover made a fortune as a mining company executive. He had a generous salary for 17 years and had extensive holdings in mining companies. Hoover donated his presidential salary to charity. He also owned “Hoover House” in Monterey, Calif.
6. Lyndon Baines Johnson
> Net worth: $98 million
> In office: 1963 to 1969
> 36th president
Johnson’s father lost all the family’s money when LBJ was a boy. Over time, the 36th president had accumulated 1,500 acres in Blanco County, Texas, which included his home, called the Texas White House. He and his wife owned a radio and television station in Austin, Texas, and they had a variety of other moderate holdings, including livestock and private aircraft.
